Anti-Trump Politician’s Wife Charged With Bribery, Influence Peddling

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, a frequent critic of former U.S. President Donald Trump, is facing mounting political heat after his wife, Begoña Gómez, was formally charged with influence peddling and bribery following a yearslong investigation that has rattled the country’s political establishment.

Judge Juan Carlos Peinado issued the charges in a ruling published Monday, clearing the way for Gómez to stand trial. The government has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

The case piles pressure on Sánchez as his Socialist-led minority government grapples with multiple corruption probes and accusations of politically motivated attacks ahead of a general election next year, where opponents are expected to seize on the controversy.

Justice Minister Félix Bolaños acknowledged the fallout, saying the investigation has “embarrassed many citizens and judges” and warning that the damage to Spain’s justice system “will, in many respects, be irreparable.”

Sanchez and Gomez in 2018

Sánchez briefly weighed stepping down in 2024 after Gómez was first placed under formal investigation, taking five days to consider his future before ultimately staying in office. He has consistently dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically driven.

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The case originated from a complaint filed by an anti-graft group with far-right ties, using a Spanish legal provision that allows private parties to trigger criminal probes.

Meanwhile, Sánchez’s brother is also facing legal trouble in a separate investigation into alleged influence peddling tied to his hiring by a regional government. He has likewise rejected the probe as politically motivated.

Gómez is currently in China alongside Sánchez, who kicked off a visit Monday by urging Beijing to use its global influence to help bring an end to the wars in Iran and Ukraine.

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